The Palo Verde National Park of Costa
Rica protects forested areas as well as an extensive marshland between
the Tempisque and Bebedero rivers of Guanacaste. Palo Verde National
Park is a diverse patchwork of habitats located in the heart of the
Tempisque
basin near the mouth of the Rio Tempisque River.

The density and variety of bird
species that have been inventoried at
Palo Verde is the primary reason that the park was created. Many
resident
tropical species also live here, including the rare Jabiru Stork.

Driving Directions

From San José, take the
Interamerican Highway north to Bagaces.
Turn left down a gravel road and travel south about 20 miles, following
the signs to the Palo Verde National
Park.

Park Facilities and Hours

The Organization for
Tropical Studies
operates a Biological Station in Palo Verde. Lodging, meals and
tours
are available. For reservations call OTS at (506) 524-0607 Costa Rica.

The area is comprised of both
deciduous and evergreen tropical dry forest,
brackish and fresh water wetlands, mangrove swamps, and the tidal
estuarine
ecosystem of the lower Tempisque River. This area provides an important
wintering
ground to migrant North American waterfowl.

Park Facilities and Hours

The Palo Verde Ranger
Station is open for visitor attention from 8am to dusk, and has potable
water
and restrooms.